Scorching form sees Shaun Marsh, Adam Voges earn another chance in Australian colours

RECALLED Australian batsman Shaun Marsh thought his days of playing for his country again were over when he was dropped from WA's Sheffield Shield team late last year.

Marsh was today named in Australia's 12-man squad for the two Twenty20 internationals against Sri Lanka in Sydney on Saturday and Melbourne on Monday.

It caps a remarkable turnaround for the 29-year-old following his highly publicised demotion from state ranks after a boozy night out during last October's Champions League in South Africa.

Marsh scored 412 runs at 58.85, including five half-centuries, for the Perth Scorchers during the Big Bash and was just edged out by Melbourne Renegades captain Aaron Finch for player of the series honours.

"It's been a pretty big turnaround from a few months ago when I wasn't even picked for WA and I was doubting myself and stuff like that," Marsh said today after learning of his international recall.

"I was in a pretty dark space there for a few months and it certainly challenges you, but it's made me a stronger person within and a better person.

"It was great to play well for the Scorchers in this Big Bash and get my name out there and get the confidence back."

Marsh met with new WA and Scorchers coach Justin Langer after his axing in early November and said the former Test opener had handed down some harsh truths about where his once promising career was heading.

The talented left-hander was severely lacking in fitness and his attitude towards training was poor and he was given no guarantees of a recall to the WA team unless he lifted his game.

It all clicked for Marsh and he began training harder than even before with Warriors fitness guru Steve Smith and also started additional boxing sessions with a close friend.

"It's been good to have these guys around and really help get the best out of me," Marsh said.

"I knew things were going to turn around for me if I kept doing that, and it did.

"It was nice to contribute to the team again and help boys win games of cricket and now I go into these two Twenty20 games with a lot of confidence."

Marsh remains as keen as ever to add to his seven Tests for Australia, but concedes that is still a long way off.

However, he has taken heart from seeing the likes of Mike Hussey and Ricky Ponting perform on the international stage well into their 30s.

"I guess if you're just scoring runs, it doesn’t really matter how old you are, (the selectors) are going to give you an opportunity," Marsh said.

"It's always a dream to play Test cricket, but I've got to play well for WA in Shield cricket first and I think I'm averaging about 10 this season.

"I want to get back playing with the (Test) boys, but I've got to score a few big hundreds for WA and push my case. It's a long way off at the moment."

Adam VogesSource:Getty Images

While Marsh couldn't escape the spotlight during the Big Bash, Scorchers teammate Adam Voges was more than happy to fly under the radar.

It paid off as Voges, who scored 268 runs at 44.66, including 49 in Saturday's losing final, was also named in the Australian squad this morning.

Many thought the 33-year-old's chances had come and gone, but he never gave up hope of forcing his way back into the national set-up after almost two years on the outer.

"To get the phone call this morning was a little unexpected, but I'm extremely excited about getting to represent Australia again," said Voges, who scored 80 not out and was named man of the match in his last match for Australia in February 2011.

"I originally missed the call from John Inverarity, but got a text message pretty much straight away and turned to my wife and said, 'You wouldn't believe it, I'm playing for Australia again'.

"I don't really mind flying under the radar a little bit ... I was very happy to just go quietly about my business. I felt like I was playing well and all I wanted to do was concentrate on doing that.

"I'd love to play for Australia as much as I can. It starts obviously with these two Twenty20 games and hopefully I perform well and we'll see what happens from there."

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